Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with an estimated population of over 200 million people. Unfortunately, Nigeria also has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, with over 40% of the population living in poverty. However, the definition of poverty is not straightforward, and it varies depending on various factors. In this article, we will explore who is considered poor in Nigeria and the different factors that contribute to poverty in the country.
Table of Contents
Defining Poverty in Nigeria
Poverty is a complex issue that affects millions of people in Nigeria. The Nigerian government defines poverty as a situation where an individual or household is unable to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. The poverty line is measured based on income levels, with those earning less than $2 a day considered poor.
Contributing Factors to Poverty in Nigeria
There are various factors that contribute to poverty in Nigeria, and they include:
Unemployment
Unemployment is a significant problem in Nigeria, and it is one of the leading causes of poverty in the country. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in Nigeria was 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020. Unemployment leads to a lack of income, which makes it difficult for individuals and households to meet their basic needs.
Corruption
Corruption is another significant factor contributing to poverty in Nigeria. Corruption in the government and other sectors of the society has led to a lack of access to basic services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which exacerbates poverty in the country.
Poor Governance
Poor governance has also contributed significantly to poverty in Nigeria. The lack of effective policies and programs to address poverty and inequality has made it difficult to reduce poverty levels in the country.
Lack of Access to Education
Lack of access to education is also a significant factor contributing to poverty in Nigeria. Education is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, but many families in Nigeria cannot afford to send their children to school, which leads to a lack of opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Poor Health
Poor health is also a significant factor contributing to poverty in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are unable to access quality healthcare, which leads to a high mortality rate and hampers economic growth in the country.
Who is Considered Poor in Nigeria?
As mentioned earlier, poverty in Nigeria is defined based on income levels. However, other factors like location, education, and access to basic services also contribute to poverty levels in the country.
Rural Areas
Rural areas in Nigeria are more likely to experience poverty than urban areas. The lack of access to basic services like healthcare and education, coupled with low economic activity, makes it difficult for people living in rural areas to break out of the cycle of poverty.
Women and Children
Women and children are also more likely to experience poverty in Nigeria. According to the United Nations, women are disproportionately affected by poverty, with 60% of the world's poorest people being women. Children are also at risk of poverty, with many unable to access education and healthcare.
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups in Nigeria also experience varying levels of poverty. The Hausa and Fulani tribes in northern Nigeria, for example, have a poverty rate of over 70%, while the Yoruba tribe in the southwest has a poverty rate of around 28%.
Disability
People with disabilities also experience poverty in Nigeria, with many unable to access basic services like education and healthcare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, poverty is a complex issue that affects millions of people in Nigeria. The factors contributing to poverty in the country are numerous, including unemployment, corruption, poor governance, lack of access to education and healthcare, and location. While income levels are used to define poverty in Nigeria, other factors like location, education, and access to basic services also contribute to poverty levels in the country. It is essential for the government and other stakeholders to address these factors to reduce poverty levels in Nigeria and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
